Business Administrator Level 3 Standard

Business Administration Level 3 Standard

To download a full overview for this qualification, please click here

Summary

Business administrators have a highly transferable skill set which can be applied in all sectors and in small and large businesses alike. Their role is to support and engage with different parts of the organisation and interact with internal or external customers. With a focus on adding value, the role contributes to the efficiency of an organisation, supporting particular areas, working across teams and resolving issues. The flexibility required allows the apprentice to develop a wide range of skills.

The business administrator acts efficiently and with integrity – showing a positive attitude and strong communication skills (both written and verbal). The business administrator is also expected to show initiative, managing priorities and own time, problem-solving skills, decision-making and the potential for people management responsibilities.

Ideal candidates

The beauty of this qualification is the range that it covers with candidates coming from the public sector, the NHS and local councils, national organisations through to small independent firms.

There are some key skills that all candidates will need (see below) but a key requirement is that candidates be in a position to scope and lead an improvement project in their workplace that they will later present at EPA

Qualification

There are no formal qualifications associated with this program. Successful candidates will be recognised with the Business Administrator Standard at Level 3.

Course structure

This course covers 21 basic standards with an interesting and highly varied range of activities in 80 separate areas including:

induction
PDP
monthly visits
departmental shadowing
progress reviews
learning extension activities

Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours

The organisation

Understand organisational purpose, aims, values, vision for the future.

Value of their skills

Understand how their work benefits the organisation and how they fit within their team

Stakeholders

Manage stakeholders including internal and external customers, clients and/or suppliers.

Relevant regulation

Understand laws and regulations involving data protection, health & safety, compliance and help the company in applying them

Policies

Understands the organisation’s internal policies and key business policies relating to the sector

Business fundamentals

Understand business principles such as managing change, business finances and project management

Processes

Understand the organisation’s processes and make suggestions for improvements. Understand how to administer billing, process invoices and purchase orders

External environment factors

Understand relevant external factors e.g. market forces, policy & regulatory changes, supply chain etc and the wider business impact.

IT

Skilled in the use of IT packages and systems like MS Office to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data, update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis

Record and document production

Produce accurate records and documents including payments, reports and proposals. Draft correspondence, write reports and handle confidential information using good judgment and make decisions based on sound reasoning.

Interpersonal skills

Build positive relationships within own team and across the organisation. Demonstrate the ability to challenge appropriately and become a role model, developing coaching skills as you gain area knowledge

Communications

Demonstrate good communication skills and apply social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation.

Quality

Complete tasks to a high standard, reviewing processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Share best-practice across the organisation. Apply problem-solving skills to resolve complaints.

Planning and organisation

Complete tasks and manage priorities to meet deadlines and set a positive example. Manage resources e.g. equipment/facilities, organise meetings and events, take minutes and manage logistics e.g. travel and accommodation

Project management

Use project management tools to successfully deliver projects. Lead projects as and when require

Professionalism

Behave in a professional way: correct personal presentation, respecting and encouraging diversity, punctuality and attitude. Conduct professional use of social media. Act as a role model, contributing to team cohesion and productivity.

Personal qualities

Show integrity, reliability, self-motivation, being pro-active and a positive attitude.

Managing performance

Take responsibility for own work, accept feedback, use initiative and shows resilience. Take responsibility for own development. Perform thorough self-assessments of work and comply with the organisation’s procedures

Adaptability

Deal with changing priorities

Responsibility

Take responsibility for seeing that projects are successfully completed and customer requests handled appropriately.

Examinations

A three-stage assessment covering:

a 60 minute knowledge test involving 50 multiple-choice questions
a 30 -45 minute portfolio-based interview
a 15 minute project presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A session

Equal weighting is given to each element. Grading follows the Fail/Pass/Distinction format.

Progression routes

This will depend heavily on the kind of organisation the successful candidates are placed in/work for. Some learners are taken on as full time members of staff during or after their apprenticeships and many who work in larger organisations are in a position to go for internal positions outside of their department. This is especially evident in organisations such as the NHS and local government. In our experience, the majority of learners who achieve their level 3 are successful in finding full-time roles within the organisation or, possibly, with new companies.

Possible benefits

As well as achieving the likely progression identified above, successful candidates will enhance their career prospects by achieving the standard. Tangible benefits will depend upon the individual employer organisations’ pay structures.

Overview

Duration

Training: 15 Months
Gateway: 15 Month Point
End Point Assessment: 3 Months

Total: 18 Months

Enrolment

Enrolling now subject to suitability

Funding

Levy – £5,000 deducted from your digital account
Non-Levy – 95% Government funded, £250 employer contribution

Level of Apprenticeship

Level 3

Gateway

Upon completion of your training, you will need to pass through the Gateway to enter the End Point Assessment.

Gateway requirements:

Maths & English (Level 2/Grade C/4 or equivalent)

All training will be provided for the above Gateway requirements, if not previously achieved. For exemption of these aims, we will require evidence of certification at enrolment.